Lima Cleaning and Pressing Company
Also known as: 436-438 South Main Street
Why it's listed
Located on South Main Street just across the Ottawa River, between the Public Square and Kibby Corners, this two-story brick commercial building dates to about 1890. The area developed in the 1890s after oil was discovered in Lima. The building has three bays and near-original storefronts. Iron railings and steps lead to raised first-floor entries, with basement entries on each side and an iron railing across the second floor. Other original details include an elaborate eave and cornice, continuous stone sashes, transoms, and elliptical arch windows facing the alley. Over time it housed commercial uses such as a dry cleaner and a plumber. It was recognized because its cast and wrought iron facade work and its basement-level front entrances have no match among Lima's other commercial buildings. Most changes have been made inside, so the facade remains largely untouched, which is why it is valued locally as a rare surviving example.
Significance in brief: The building is noted for its original architectural features, with the only comparable example in Lima. Its cast and wrought iron work on the facade and its basement-level entrances on the front are not found on other Lima commercial buildings. It is considered locally important for the untouched character of its facade.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82001353, listed October 7, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 436-438 S. Main St., Lima |
|---|---|
| County | Allen County |
| Listed | October 7, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82001353 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | 1890 Commercial |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Inventory lists present use as vacant, with interior condition good and exterior very good; most alterations are to the interior. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.73541, -84.10515 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
Noted as vacant in the nomination. Nomination documents can be decades old; current status may differ. If you are considering buying an empty listed property, read the due-diligence checklist.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82001353.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6548803
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.